I would definitely toss in $100 to get the ball rolling...
Pre 03 Factory NAV to Double Din, Climate Knobs Conversion?
- Thread starter pfran42
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A guy has to make it worth his time so ... it depends on how long the list is for guys willing to chip in, no?
A couple mock ups and some tedious hours of trying to figure out wire mapping is hardly worth $600 where I live. That money might buy a mock up or two AND maybe 5-10 hours of labor but that's really cheap here in the Bay Area. Then there's getting or securing loaner parts and the time involved in tracking them down. If I was paying a few hundred (even as much as $600) for this job in the Bay Area, I'd feel like I got one over on a guy.
If I was doing this project (and I've thought about it - as much as I like my 2000 LX with the 3 dial conversion, I'd rather have the 6 year newer vehicle), I'd be seeking a commitment from 10 guys that are willing to pay around $250 for their own unit (whom are also indebted to not give away the unit or it's secrets to someone else to copy/imitate so I can actually sell some more units down the road).
- Thread starter
- #103
Your rationale makes perfect sense. I was just trying to stir the pot and get everyone talking again. I for one love challenging projects (I think I even started this thread) but I figured out pretty fast that I bit off more than I could chew after looking into it for a while. If I had a month off, I feel like I could get it done. To me that would be worth about $20K (accounting for all variables).
Thing is we need to have people commit to this that can be trusted not to just go off and post the fix. This is some serious and valuable R&D and people getting the fix should be in the "circle of trust" so to speak.
On the other hand, the guy committing to (trying) to figure this out should be just as trusted and should be good at this sort of thing (vehicle wiring diagrams, harnesses, etc).
It is risky at both ends but If someone is willing to take this project on, I am sure we could find enough backers to make it happen. I might consider being an investment partner in helping pay for the R&D and then work out something on that back-end to re-coup my side of the investment. I am open to any sound ideas.
I mean think about it. The only thing keeping us from our absolute dream rig is that stupid nav/climate/entertainment panel smirking at us every morning. If I could make that go away on my 95,000 mile vehicle, I would go completely all-out on my build. I am considering Radflo/King/Fox shocks right now but in the back of my head I still think about how that panel is just useless real estate detracting from a state-of-the-art navigation HU that would help me better utilize said Radflo/King/Fox shocks. Honestly, I would pay $1000.00, if I knew I could take what I have now and go back to a 98-00 center console. If a few other people felt similarly, I know we could make this happen. Hell, if this was just a one off for me only, I would pay $2000.00! I really freaking hate that MFP!!!
Also, I would be going into this knowing full well that there may not be a solution and that I would lose the $250-1000 that I paid to have the R&D conducted. I still think it is worth the effort.
wildsmith
SILVER Star
This may be stating the obvious but there will be a chunk of wires on the nav harness that just go to the nav unit under the ps seat and will be redundant with the older controls. That will account for some of the differences. The routing of the audio is probably different as well, with both the stereo and the nav unit needing to be heard. The UK 3 knob controls have the same sockets as the 3 knob controls shown in the comparison pics earlier in the thread btw.
BamaHeel
Intergalactic Champion
Just saw this on Aussie ebay:
98 -07 Toyota Landcruiser Heater A/C Controls | eBay
don't know how it compares or if it would work but says it works with 98-07
98 -07 Toyota Landcruiser Heater A/C Controls | eBay
don't know how it compares or if it would work but says it works with 98-07
Amen brotha! I'm in the same boat with ya. I'd rather have a 6 year newer vehicle that gets all my love and attention.
Doing everything I've been doing for maintenance and such on the 2000 sometimes gives me the creepers. I just have a feeling it's going to exceed the cost to value ration and end up costing as much as an '06 in the end because I can't deal with sloppy steering from worn bushings, faded door panels, stained carpet, Xfer that has to have the mount replaced, 3 body panels that need repainting. By can't deal with it, I mean I replace/fix all of it but parts at discount and DIY'ness still add up.
hoser
SILVER Star
BamaHeel said:
The controls are reversed right to left since its for RHD but I think most could live with that.
re_guderian
SILVER Star
hoser said:
[STRIKE]Think it looks just like mine only with red/blue instead of temp in degrees?[/STRIKE]
edit: should have looked closer. Some buttons reversed, and no auto climate control or rear AC or heated mirror control (good lord, man, how do the live like that???
) I'd think it's going to be missing some wiring in back.
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The buttons would be easy to pop in. Just not sure how nice it would play with rear air. It wouldn't be that big of a deal to lose front control but if it disabled the rear that would be a bummer.
Conversely, even though I'm non-nav I'd rather have a 'dumb' HVAC control then the semi-auto in the LC. Would be nice to have fresh air on cold without it auto-shifting to recirc.
Conversely, even though I'm non-nav I'd rather have a 'dumb' HVAC control then the semi-auto in the LC. Would be nice to have fresh air on cold without it auto-shifting to recirc.
hoser
SILVER Star
Another variation to add to the thread from a '99 LHD 105 series. This time, the climate controls ARE really reversed.
If it's possible to retrofit that into a USDM 100 (without disabling the rear air) then I'd be very interested. I'm growing tired of the mediocre electronics 2nd guessing my settings.
Oregon etal... The HVAC controllers have the buttons for each function installed (defrost, rear air, rear heat) built-in to every one. Toyota puts a stopper/blank to cover the switch if your truck doesn't have the feature. The switch is there and can be used if your truck has the feature.
I'm currently working on using my rear heater switch (i dont have the option. I have rear air) to actuate a rear light system.
I'm currently working on using my rear heater switch (i dont have the option. I have rear air) to actuate a rear light system.
Another version to consider. I have no complaints with the climate control.
This is the most likely retrofit for USA cruisers based on my prelim investigation.
BamaHeel
Intergalactic Champion
I agree given all the talk about different versions. That being said, I did see this on ebay:
LEXUS GS300 GS400 GS430 NAVIGATION CONVER MARK LEVINSON | eBay
It appears this guy is offering a complete change from a Lexus GS non-nav to nav for a price. Don't know as to the wiring harness he is using but it looks like he may have it figured out in reverse.
re_guderian
SILVER Star
Toyota is so retarded sometimes... 
Maybe. My GS430 had different climate control options than the LC/LX. So he may have figured it out for the GS model but the exact harness he's using will likely not apply to the LC/LX.
Also, GS's in that era came with or without nav. Where the LC/LX after '03 only came with nav. So I imagine he's just selling the factory parts in a "kit".
Now that I think about it and see this post with the climate control knobs of the LX, I might some components that could be used as the mules. I've got a Toyota center console fascia for the '98-02 3 dial, an Lexus '98-'02 center console fascia, and the full climate control system for the '98-'02 Lexus (which looks like the same part in the photo above in the non-navi '03-'07).
I was planning to sell these parts but if Mudders can figure out how to get this project rolling, maybe the parts I have would help get it going. Some how need to figure out who's doing the project, what they need, and if my parts are used then some fair reimbursement.
I know of a 99 or 00 100 that may still be available for part-out in Chicago that has its harness still intact. I've pulled parts from it earlier this year as the person holding the vehicle has a mechanic's lien on it. I'm willing to do what I can to get this off the ground. I really H8 my nav.
BamaHeel said:
The GS guy retrofit entire harnesses. There is probably a sub harness in the LC that can be swapped but the dash would have to come out. An adapter harness is worth considering as previously proposed. We have many examples of three dial and electronic climate minus nav in several markets.
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